A decision is expected this week on a new Bears general manager, with former Bears scout and current Kansas City Chiefs director of college scouting Phil Emery considered a slight favorite, one NFL source told CSNChicago.com on Monday.

Sources also said Bears player personnel director Tim Ruskell, with his solid relationship with coach Lovie Smith, had a strong interview with President Ted Phillips on Thursday and is considered the most qualified of the five candidates.

But the abrupt move of firing Jerry Angelo indicated a desire on the part of the organization to make a very visible statement of going in a new direction. Ruskell, hired by Angelo in 2010, is unlikely to underscore that statement in the arena of public opinion.

However, one source said that since it is all but assured that Smith will not survive another season of missing the playoffs, one plan could be to leave Ruskell in place for the year, with Smith.

If matters improve, Smith has one more year on his contract. If matters do not improve, then start over with a new front office and coaching staff.